M62 closes for ‘sausage bridge’ replacement work

Natalie Walker

M62 westbound carriageway from the junction 6 exit slip for the M57 to junction 4

M62 westbound junction 6 entry slip road

M62 eastbound carriageway from junction 4 to junction 5

M62 westbound junction 5 entry slip road

Motorists in St Helens should expect delays when part of the local motorway network closes temporarily tomorrow (Friday), officials are warning.

Both carriageways of the M62 will be affected between Junction 6 and Junction 4 from 10pm Friday October 9 to 5am Monday October 12 as the replacement Greystone footbridge is installed across the motorway.

The diversion route for vehicles affected by the road closure is via the M57, A580 East Lancashire Road and A5058 Queens Drive.

It is anticipated that travelling along the diversion route could add an additional 15 to 20 minutes travel time.

Drivers are advised to factor this into any journey and to plan alternative routes if possible.

Access from The Rocket junction to Thomas Lane/Broad Green Hospital will be maintained.

The old Greystone footbridge was demolished in August as it had reached the end of its serviceable life. The new modern bridge will cater for both cyclists and pedestrians to provide a safe crossing route. It will also be illuminated in the evenings giving drivers a real sense of arrival as they pass through this new impressive gateway.

Coun Mike Murphy, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: “While we appreciate the temporary motorway closure will cause some inconvenience, we hope that people will understand that this is necessary to allow the new footbridge to be installed safely. “

“We are working closely with neighbouring local authorities and emergency services to ensure that any disruption to drivers is kept to a minimum, but we would advise people to consider alternative routes.”

“This is a really significant point in a major project. So far, we have only seen artist impressions of the new footbridge and a few photos during production. We are really looking forward to seeing the new footbridge being put into place and creating a new gateway for the Knowsley and Liverpool boundary.”

Once in place, further work will need to be carried out and it is expected that the new footbridge will be open to the public during the week starting October 19.

A free shuttle bus service is running until then to avoid disruption to pedestrians.